Artist Ai Weiwei kicks planking to the curb with new Instagram meme

It only took a cock of Ai Weiwei’s leg to kick start a new viral trend.

The Chinese artist uploaded a photo of himself holding his leg like a gun to Instagram last week, and now a host of imitators have followed suit.

The images of people aiming their ‘gun legs’ have taken over Weiwei’s account, with some suggesting they’re a subtle dig at Chinese authorities – especially as they come in the wake of the 25th anniversary of Tiananmen Square.

Ai may have drawn inspiration from The Red Detachment of Women, a state-sanctioned ballet that was famously shown to President Richard Nixon during his 1972 visit to China.

Or he may just be using his influence to launch the new planking. Whatever the reason, it’s certainly better than the Angelina’s leg meme.